Aimed squarely at content creators and high-performance photographers, Nikon has announced the new Z6 III full-frame mirrorless camera.
With features that will appeal to video creators and photographers alike, the Z6 III promises 6K internal N Raw video, ProRes Raw options, and high frame rates of up to 240 fps.
It also allows for the pre-release capture of stills at up to 120fps.
Image Credit – Nikon USA
At the heart of the new Z6 III is a 24.2 MP partially stacked CMOS image sensor with high-speed processing circuits embedded in layers above and below.
This sensor architecture can take advantage of Nikon’s Expeed 7 processing engine found in the Z8 and Z9, to produce 12-bit 6K video at up to 60 frames per second using N-Raw, and 30p when choosing ProRes Raw.
Moreover, there is also a 10-bit ProRes 433 option in 5.4K and H.265 codecs, and up to 240 fps when capturing in full HD.
Nikon has also upgraded its autofocus algorithms to achieve up to 20% faster subject detection and focusing. The Z6 III uses advanced subject-detection tools found in the Z8 and Z9 and boasts an impressive claim of -10 EV2 in focusing performance.
The new system automatically detects subjects including people, animals, and vehicles, with nine different subject categories locked in for focused maintenance.
This is also improved in darkly lit conditions, and users can also lock onto subjects with 3D Tracking, auto-area AF, wide-area AF, and Dynamic-area AF. Users can even set their custom autofocus areas.
Image Credit – Nikon USA
The Z6 III also claims up to 8 stops of vibration reduction through its in-body 5-axis image stabilization, keeping those focused subjects sharp and steady while the camera is on the move, or when slower shutter speeds are utilized.
Nikon also employs Focus Point VR to prioritize stabilization at the selected active point in the image frame.
For still images, the camera also has a new Pixel Shift Mode, which can combine multiple exposures of up to 32 exposures to increase image detail and resolution and provide a more accurate, bolder color gamut.
The camera also has a new Flexible color picture control feature through NX Studio, which can create custom presets and blend unique colors, which can be transferred to custom picture controls in the camera body.
Image Credit – Nikon USA
Nikon says that the camera has the brightest electronic viewfinder of any mirrorless camera on the market, with a rating of 4,000 nits (cd/m2) and a 5,706k dot image.
It provides a DCI-P3 color gamut for a more lifelike display of color without banding. The 3.2-inch Vari-Angle LCD touchscreen can also be deployed as a front-facing camera screen for selfies and other self-recording options, as well as low-angle framing.
Built of magnesium alloys and durable high-impact Sereebo plastic, the Z6 III has a robust yet lightweight construction and weighs at a very manageable 1.67 pounds. It is sealed against dust and moisture and can withstand temperature extremes down to 14° F (-10° C).
Pricing and availability
The Nikon Z6 III will be available in late June for a retail price of $2499.95 (body only) or $3099 when bundled with the Nikkor 24-70 F4 kit lens.
Nikon is also poised to release a new MB-N14 Power Battery pack with an integrated shutter button that can hold up to two EN-EL15c rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries for extended recording times during long video shoots. The power pack can be “hot swapped” maintaining power while one battery is replaced. The battery poach will cost $359.95 and will be available later this summer.
Lastly, Nikon is offering a new complimentary cloud service known as Nikon Imaging Cloud. User images will be automatically uploaded to their own Nikon Image Space, and their camera will be automatically updated with firmware as they become available.
Moreover, Nikon will be using the service as a curated community for downloading custom camera settings, presets, and so-called “imaging recipes” curated by Nikon creators.
Though a third-generation Z7 isn’t being announced this time around, the features and upgraded tools of the new Z6 III can more than perform with the capture of cinematic 6K video and high-resolution stills.
It’ll be interesting to see just how well this model performs on its own, and if there will even be a need for a Z7 III.
[source: Nikon USA]
Order Links:
- Nikon Z6 III Mirrorless Camera (B&H)
- Nikon Z6 III Mirrorless Camera with 24-70mm f/4 S Lens (B&H)
- Nikon MB-N14 Power Battery Pack (B&H)
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